Cubs targeting Felipe Lopez?

[Schwarber Fan]

According to the Washington Post, two teams are currently looking at Felipe Lopez. One of the confirmed teams is the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs have reportedly had a scout follow the Nationals during their last few games. Chicago has been trying to land to land Orioles 2B Brian Roberts the whole spring, but a deal now looks doubtful. Lopez will definitely be cheaper and has voiced frustration with Nationals management over their current depth chart, which has him in a backup role. Lopez is hitting .208 this spring

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=2969&line=231586&spln=1

 

Lopez>Theriot for starting SS?

[C.C.]

Seriously? Why? What's the point? Edited March 22, 2008 by C.C.

[Schwarber Fan]

Seriously? What's the point?

 

If he's coming for 2B, then screw it. I don't think he's a bad option for SS, especially because we have Theriot starting.

[C.C.]

Seriously? What's the point?

 

If he's coming for 2B, then screw it. I don't think he's a bad option for SS, especially because we have Theriot starting.

 

His 2005 season is a eye opener. I didn't even know he posted those kind of numbers in 2005. Not sure what happened last year, but his numbers were way down. Although he was playing in Washington. I guess anyone is a better option then Theriot.

Edited March 22, 2008 by C.C.

[SABR Gamer]

Seriously? What's the point?

 

Have you looked at his stats? If he could come anything close to his 2005 he would be 3x the hitter Theriot is, and they are equal in the field, Lopez may even be better.

 

PECOTA (Weighted Mean) - FULL PT

NAME - VORP - WARP

 

Lopez - 24.1 - 4.8

Theriot - 6.4 - 3.1

 

 

Based on this, and that we probably don't need to give up much to acquire Lopez, we pay very little for 2 extra wins. That's a pretty good "point" in my opinion. I would be for this move if he was going to replace Theriot as the every day SS.

Edited March 22, 2008 by New York Cubs Fan

[C.C.]

Seriously? What's the point?

 

Have you looked at his stats? If he could come anything close to his 2005 he would be 3x the hitter Theriot is, and they are equal in the field, Lopez may even be better.

 

PECOTA (Weighted Mean) - FULL PT

NAME - VORP - WARP

 

Lopez - 24.1 - 4.8

Theriot - 6.4 - 3.1

 

 

I posted the 2nd thing just if anyone was interested. Based on this, and that we probably don't need to give up much to acquire Lopez, we pay very little for 2 extra wins. That's a pretty good "point" in my opinion. I would be for this move if he was going to replace Theriot as the every day SS.

 

Read my above post. His 2005 numbers surprised me. I'm just looking over his stats right now.

[Jehrico]

I'd do Theriot for Lopez straight up, maybe even throw in a token prospect. I hope they're not thinking of giving up any substantial prospects or anything like that for him.

[TarzanJoeWallis]

I'm using my phone to post this, so I can't provide the link, but the Washington Post says Lopez played second base yesterday. My guess is the Cubs are interested in him for second and not short, even though I know that makes no sense.

[wrigley23]

I realize this isn't popular on this particular website but two things have been very clear this offseason. Cubs brass are bent on getting soriano & his free swinging ways out of the leadoff spot & DeRosa into a utility position. Most thought it was a Brian Roberts fetish but it now appears to be more than that. Felipe is a fast little devil & that seems to be hip around the league right now w/ Bourne, Taveras & the like dotting the 1-hole. The Cub may be making a similar move soon in Lopez.

[inari]

Felipe Lopez is an enormous upgrade over Riot.

[BigbadB]

I'm going to go ahead and claim now that if the Cubs get Lopez, that I do NOT have inside sources. It's simply coincidence that I brought Lopez up in another thread a few days back.

[RammyFanny]

He could be a great bargain, and is still only 27.

 

05 season: .291/.352/.486 23 homers/85 RBI's/118 OPS+

06 season: .274/.358/.351 11 homers/44 stolen bases

07 season: .245/.308/.352

 

Hell, even if he could reproduce the 06 season he'd be a very nice upgrade at short. He seems like he has some semblance of the strikezone as well.

 

However, Hendry is dumb, and he would probably start at 2B for a little, but I have faith that Lou would swich him to SS with DeRo at 2nd if Theriot is struggling.

[BigbadB]

He could be a great bargain, and is still only 27.

 

27 is the age you generally get a guys best production. In other words, it's a make or break year for Lopez. I like the upside Lopez provides over Theriot.

 

But, you're right. They are probably looking at him at 2nd rather than short.

[JGalt73]

The Cubs remain obsessed with left handedness and speed. 2nd base seems to be the center of this desire (e.g., Kaz Matsui). They must feel that DeRosa's versatility makes him the perfect backup - as Lou has complained about "depth" for much of the spring. If Lopez replaced Theriot this is a fine move, but that is unlikely to happen.

[Bruno7481]

Unless the Cubs can play their home games in Great American Ballpark Lopez isn't worth it.

[BigbadB]

Unless the Cubs can play their home games in Great American Ballpark Lopez isn't worth it.

 

If Great American was the only good hitter's park in the NL Central, I might agree. But, most of the parks in the NL Central are good hitter's parks, so I think he could be worth it.

[Post Count Padder]

I wouldn't mind Lopez as long as he'd start at SS and bat 8th. I think he'll bounce back after last year, especially with a change of scenery.

[reds44]

Felipe Lopez can't play SS. He is about as bad as a defender as they come, and he doesn't nearly hit well enough to make up for it anymore. I'd certianly take him on the Reds as a backup UTIL INF, but he can't pay SS everyday.

[SweetZombieJesus]

Felipe Lopez can't play SS. He is about as bad as a defender as they come, and he doesn't nearly hit well enough to make up for it anymore. I'd certianly take him on the Reds as a backup UTIL INF, but he can't pay SS everyday.

 

Are we basing this on what the nats did with him? An organization that thinks christian guzman is a quality SS? He might be horrible but I'll take my chances.

[reds44]

Felipe Lopez can't play SS. He is about as bad as a defender as they come, and he doesn't nearly hit well enough to make up for it anymore. I'd certianly take him on the Reds as a backup UTIL INF, but he can't pay SS everyday.

 

Are we basing this on what the nats did with him? An organization that thinks christian guzman is a quality SS? He might be horrible but I'll take my chances.

What? No we are basing it off the fact that he has been an awful defensive SS with no range and an erratic arm since he broke his ankle with Toronto.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm shocked to say it, but reds44 is absolutely right. Lopez was a brutal defensive SS in Cinci, and he's only got worse since.

[sneakypower]

Felipe Lopez can't play SS. He is about as bad as a defender as they come, and he doesn't nearly hit well enough to make up for it anymore. I'd certianly take him on the Reds as a backup UTIL INF, but he can't pay SS everyday.

 

Are we basing this on what the nats did with him? An organization that thinks christian guzman is a quality SS? He might be horrible but I'll take my chances.

 

I'd love to take a flier on Lopez, but Theriot is no doubt a better fielder.

[RynoRules]

I wonder if hendry is doing this to put pressure on the O's: "Andy, **bleep** or get off the pot. You know I could have Lopez for a lot less."

[ToupeeOnFire]

Seriously? What's the point?

 

Have you looked at his stats? If he could come anything close to his 2005 he would be 3x the hitter Theriot is, and they are equal in the field, Lopez may even be better.

 

I'm not sure where you get the idea that Lopez is the defensive equal of Ryan Theriot, but defensive systems that use play-by-play data (which BP doesn't) like PMR and Fielding Bible's +/- seem to agree that Theriot is solidly average while Lopez has been one of the worst fielding SS's in baseball over the last several years. His awful defense was pretty much the justification for the Reds trading him in the first place, despite a very good year at the plate in 2005. He is clearly not a SS.

 

Not sure how he would perform at 2B. Offensively, at his best, he seems like a poor man's Brian Roberts. He's a switch hitter with speed, so you can see why Jimbo might like him, but I doubt he'd be an upgrade over DeRosa. He also seems to have a bit of an attitude of problem. It sounds like he is going to sulk on the bench if he doesn't get to play every day.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If we could get him for Cedeno that would be good. Cedeno is out of options and has done nothing to earn a spot on the team. Lopez could replace Theriot some at SS, play some second , and make us a better team.